After the door shuts behind the last kid leaving for college, the house is quiet. Many parents feel lonely for a while, but after a period of adjustment, almost all come to enjoy the "empty nest." It isn't empty, after all -- it's a chance for a couple to get to know one another again without the distraction of kids, or an opportunity for a single parent to enjoy new freedoms.

Sometimes, however, kids don't stay flown. If the job market's in the dumps, they may not be able to survive on their own -- and their first call is going to be to mom and dad, asking to come home.

But things have changed since they've been gone. You've gotten used to a life the way you want it, and so have they. And, likely, yours doesn't involve taking care of kids anymore.